CD Review
© Chris Green, April 2020
Todd: Lights, Stories, Noise, Dreams, Love and Noodles Bach Choir, Will Todd Ensemble conducted by David Hill |
In these dark days with some of us having to self-isolate, coming across a fun-filled hour of music is just what I need! This new release from the independent label Signum fits the bill very nicely.
I have long enjoyed the choral music of Will Todd, a native of North East England. His fusion of jazz and classical music, gives the compositions a highly syncopated edge, but no lack of melody.
This latest release is a collection of his compositions opening with, Songs of Magical Creatures, a series of choruses based upon texts from Shakespeare's the Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream . From the vibrant opening Fairy Song , and the sonorous ethereal Full fathom Five , the choral and orchestral textures are highly effective.
After the four choruses, comes Lights, Stories, Noise, Dreams, Love and Noodles, a series of fun-filled settings of verse by highly regarded British poet, Michael Rosen with the Finchley Children's Music Group and Bach Choir exploring vocal rhythms, many of then with a sure nonsense element.
I will light a candle is a short a capella work for choir with words by Will Todd, and the programme ends with another compositions with verse and music by him as well. Kites, Cards and Constellations receives its world premiere recording with this CD release as do two of the other works- and so full marks to everyone concerned because it is not only fun but beautifully performed.